Dance in the Outback by Suzanne Gilchrist

Author:Suzanne Gilchrist [Gilchrist, Suzanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780648451013
Publisher: Mallee Star Enterprises
Published: 2020-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

8

After placing her mail inside her suitcase and shoving the bag back under her bed, Melanie wandered outside in search of the children. An easy feat as all she had to do was follow the sound of Tammy's laughter and Muffin's crazed barks.

Beyond the lawn lay a small enclosure shaded by a stand of mulga trees and two ancient eucalypt trees. Here she found Harry riding a stockhorse, one arm anchoring a squealing Anabelle in place where she sat in front of him. Tammy yelled encouragement from where she leaned on the fence, her arms dangling over the top railing. Muffin lay in the dust, panting.

As she approached, Harry kicked the gelding into a trot. Anabelle shrieked with delight while Tammy whooped waving her hat in the air. Beneath the shade of his Akubra, Harry's mouth curled into a grin so similar to Dirk it made Melanie's heart stutter.

On seeing her, Harry slowed the horse to a walk and reined to a stop near the fence. Melanie ducked under the railings and lifted Anabelle off the horse and into her arms.

“Anabelle and Tammy love riding. It’s good of you, Harry to continue their lessons.” Melanie stood smiling up at the young teenager.

Harry shrugged, tugged the brim of his hat lower then swung down out of the saddle.

Determined to crack his shy veneer, she persevered. “I bet you're a really great rider. Are you going to the rodeo?”

“Most people out here can ride.” He shot her a quick glance then tugged on the reins, leading the horse behind him as he walked away.

Melanie rolled her eyes.

Really. He’s such a typical teenager. Of course she had no intention of letting go of the subject easily, so she fell into step beside him, repressing her grin at the hunted look he shot her.

He quickened his pace.

“Where are we going, Harry?” piped Tammy trotting at his side.

“Ajax needs a rub down and a drink after all his hard work,” said Harry.

“About the rodeo, I hear there's a dance afterwards. Now that sounds like fun and a great excuse to meet up with your friends from the other stations.” Melanie shifted Anabelle into a more comfortable position on her hip.

“I'm not going.”

“What? Neither of you?”

They'd reached the lean-to at the other end of the enclosure. Harry loped the reins around the railing and un-cinched the saddle girth. Moving with swift efficiency he soon had the saddle off the horse and began to rub the gelding down with the blanket. Tammy ran off to rip up tufts of grass then raced back to offer it to the horse, who nibbled the strands from her open palm.

“That tickles,” she said giggling.

Melanie said in a demure voice, “I know Tammy and Anabelle would love to see a rodeo. And ride the merry-go-rounds.”

“We're not going. We hardly ever go,” admitted Harry gruffly as he draped the blanket over the fence. Slipping his hands under the horse's neck he undid the buckles and eased the bridle of its head. Ajax snorted and ambled off to the water trough.

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